• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Winding Creek Ranch
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Main Dishes
  • About Jeri
    • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Christmas
  • Recipes
  • About Jeri
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Christmas
    • Recipes
    • About Jeri
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Easy 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

    Published: May 23, 2022 · Modified: Nov 24, 2023 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This Easy 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a tasty and effortless meal your family will love. Put the ingredients in the pot, let it cook, and you'll have a juicy and flavorful chicken dish in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice, in a sandwich, or with veggies.

    BBQ pulled chicken sandwich on a serving plate. this …

    Instant Pot BBQ chicken is a fantastic dinner option for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without the hassle. With just two ingredients and a pressure cooker, dinner will be ready in no time.

    For more easy chicken recipes, try Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, and Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why this recipe works
    • 🐓 Ingredients & Substitutions
    • 🍗 How to make 2 ingredient instant pot BBQ chicken
    • 🥗 Serving suggestions
    • ⏲️ Slow Cooker Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 📖 Additions & variations
    • ❓Recipe FAQs
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 More Instant Pot recipes
    • Easy 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Meet The Author
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why this recipe works

    • This easy recipe is quick to prepare.
    • Deliciously tender and juicy chicken with a sweet and smoky BBQ flavor.
    • You can use any chicken, either boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
    • Use shredded chicken in pulled chicken sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
    • Perfect for quick summer meals.
    • Great for meal prep.

    🐓 Ingredients & Substitutions

    This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily find the ingredients at any grocery store!

    Ingredients for BBQ chicken in the instant pot on a white countertop.
    • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I used four boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
    • Your favorite barbeque sauce. I like to use a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, but you can use whatever flavor you want. I used Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce. You can also use your own homemade barbecue sauce.
    • Water. You could also use chicken broth instead.

    See the printable recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

    🍗 How to make 2 ingredient instant pot BBQ chicken

    Overview

    • Add trivet, water, and chicken to Instant Pot.
    • Spoon on barbecue sauce.
    • Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
    • Natural release for 5 minutes.
    • Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
    • Serve.

    Step by step instructions

    Four boneless skinless chicken breasts on the trivet in an Instant Pot.

    Step 1: Place a trivet in the instant pot and add 1 cup of water. Place boneless chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet.

    Boneless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot topped with BBQ sauce.

    Step 2: Place about ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce on the chicken breasts. Secure the lid. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes of cooking time.

    The chicken breasts in the Instant Pot after the cooking time is done.

    Step 3: After the 15-minute cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. Then, quick release any remaining pressure and open the lid.

    The shredded chicken breasts in the pot with BBQ sauce poured on top.

    Step 4: Lift out the chicken and drain the water. Place the chicken back in the pot and shred it with two forks. Add the rest of the barbecue sauce and stir well to mix it all in.

    Pro Tip: If using frozen chicken breasts, prepare the recipe the same way, except extend the natural release time to 10 minutes.

    🥗 Serving suggestions

    Serve the shredded chicken meat on Old-Fashioned Air Buns, brioche buns, Instant Pot White Rice, pasta, or quinoa. Top with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

    You can also serve it on BBQ Chicken Pizza or Panera Bread BBQ Chicken Salad.

    ⏲️ Slow Cooker Instructions

    To make this BBQ chicken recipe in a slow cooker, place the chicken and all of the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with a fork or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

    💭 Expert tips

    • Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper or your favorite BBQ Chicken Rub for more flavor.
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 165 degrees F.
    • Drain the water when the chicken has completed cooking before adding the sauce.
    • Add a little extra BBQ sauce if you like your chicken saucy.
    • Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months.
    A pulled chicken sandwich in a homemade air bun, on a dinner plate with bacon wrapped asparagus and a dill pickle.

    📖 Additions & variations

    • Spicy: Add hot sauce, diced jalapeno peppers, or cayenne pepper.
    • Spices: Add seasoning or herbs to the chicken for more flavor. Try onion powder or garlic powder.
    • Sweet: Add some brown sugar or honey to make a sweeter sauce.

    ❓Recipe FAQs

    Can I use BBQ sauce as a liquid in Instant Pot?

    No, the BBQ sauce has a high sugar content, so it will stick to the bottom of the pot and give you the burn notice. You need to use water or chicken broth as the liquid for this recipe.

    What are the ingredients for BBQ chicken?

    This easy BBQ chicken only requires two ingredients: chicken breasts and barbecue sauce.

    How long does it take for the chicken to cook?

    The chicken takes 15 minutes to cook at high pressure and 5 minutes of natural release. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook for 15 minutes at high pressure and 10 minutes of natural release.

    What is the best way to make BBQ chicken in an instant pot?

    The best way to make BBQ chicken in an instant pot is to place the chicken breasts on a trivet at the bottom and add one cup of water. Top your chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes. Then, use the quick-release method to allow additional steam to escape.

    👩🏻‍🍳 More Instant Pot recipes

    • Instant pot chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
      Easy Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
    • Instant pot ham and potato soup in a white bowl with a white spoon, with a gray dishcloth beside it.
      Delicious Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
    • Instant pot lazy lasagna in a white bowl, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
      Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe
    • BBQ sauce brushed on pork ribs on a table with waffle fry potatoes.
      Frozen Pork Ribs In Instant Pot

    If you tried this recipe for 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thank you! 🙂

    Please Subscribe and FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    A BBQ pulled chicken sandwich on a white plate.

    Easy 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

    This Easy 2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a tasty and effortless meal your family will love. Put the ingredients in the pot, let it cook, and you'll have a juicy and flavorful chicken dish in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice, in a sandwich, or with veggies.
    4.98 from 44 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Natural Release Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 181kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pressure cooker

    Ingredients

    • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions

    • Place trivet in the instant pot and add 1 cup of water. Place chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet.
      1 cup water, 4 chicken breasts
    • Place about ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce on top of the chicken breasts. Secure the lid. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
    • After the 15 minutes, natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Then, quick release the remaining pressure and open the lid.
    • Lift out the chicken carefully and drain the water out of the pot. Return the chicken to the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken or cut it into small pieces.
    • Add the remaining barbecue sauce to the chicken. Stir well to combine. If desired, add extra sauce until you get the consistency you like.
    • Serve the chicken with extra sauce and your favorite sides.

    Video

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Expert Tips:
    • Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper or your favorite BBQ Chicken Rub for more flavor.
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 165 degrees F.
    • Drain the water when the chicken has completed cooking before adding the sauce.
    • Add a little extra BBQ sauce if you like your chicken saucy.
    • Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to two months.
    •  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4oz | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.2g | Protein: 9.3g | Fat: 1.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 29.5mg | Sodium: 565.5mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 27.6g | Vitamin A: 12.9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9.3mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!
    Jeri in her kitchen holding a cup of coffee.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Meet The Author

    Meet Jeri, a self-taught home cook with over 40 years of cooking experience who decided to start a second career as a full-time food blogger. She is the recipe creator, writer, photographer, and creator of Winding Creek Ranch. Her mission is to make your life easier by sharing delicious recipes your family will love.

    Learn more about me →

    More Main Dishes

    • A venison Philly cheesesteak sandwich on a white plate with a side salad.
      The Ultimate Venison Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
    • The smoked chicken noodle soup in a white soup bowl.
      Smoked Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
    • The juicy brisket cut into thin slices on a wooden cutting board.
      Pellet Grill Oven Smoked Brisket
    • Two smoked bacon wrapped venison backstraps on a baking sheet.
      Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Venison Backstraps
    • Facebook

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marcellina

      May 29, 2022 at 1:17 am

      5 stars
      Turned out succulent and tasty! Thanks!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    As a full-time food blogger with 40 years of cooking experience, I am passionate about creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families like yours. My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most -- family!

    More about Jeri →

    Christmas Recipes

    • Double smoked ham on white platter, covered in glaze, with green lettuce for garnish.
      Double Smoked Ham on Pellet Grill (Brown Sugar Maple Glaze)
    • An overhead picture of the cooked mashed potato casserole in a glass baking dish.
      Easy Twice-Baked Mashed Potato Recipe
    • A smoked brisket on a wooden cutting board.
      The Best Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe in Electric Smoker
    • Creamy fruit salad in a white bowl, topped with fresh strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and bananas.
      Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and Pudding
    • Smoked prime rib roast on white serving platter, with a sprig of rosemary on top.
      Best Smoked Prime Rib Roast Recipe on Pellet Grill
    • Soft peanut brittle stacked on top of each other with a pan of the rest of the brittle in the background.
      Easy Soft Peanut Brittle Recipe

    Trending Recipes

    • A whole turkey being smoked on a pellet grill, covered in spice rub, with wisps of smoke behind it on the pellet grill.
      How To Smoke a Whole Turkey on a Pellet Grill
    • A side view of turkey rub in a small white bowl on a wooden table.
      Best Turkey Rub For Smoking
    • Juicy air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley.
      Easy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    • A closeup of pork chops on a platter.
      Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
    • Smoked salmon fillet baked to perfection, placed on a slate board with slices of lemon beside it.
      Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill Recipe
    • A smoked turkey breast cut into thin slices and placed on a white serving platter.
      Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Without Brine)

    As seen in

    A collection of sites where my recipes have been featured.
    FREE Internal Meat Temperature Chart
    Plus, get all of my recipes sent straight to your inbox!
    Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Reach Out

    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Subscribe

    Let's Connect

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • Web stories

    Disclaimers

    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2023 Winding Creek Ranch | All Rights Reserved

    A closeup of chicken breasts in the pressure cooker, and a BBQ chicken sandwich.